Saint Paul Public Works is exploring alternative options for a bike lane after the Saint Paul City Council voted to delay the project initially intended for Cleveland Avenue. The decision to devote more time to research came after receiving a multitude of concern and input from the local community, including St. Thomas.
Many residents voiced their opinions at a city council hearing on June 17 which resulted in the passing of an amendment introduced by Council Member Chris Tolbert to delay the advancement of the Cleveland section of the bike plan until later this year. The delay provides time not only to gather more feedback, but to explore other route options – an alternative favored by University of St. Thomas officials.
Vice President for University and Government Relations, Doug Hennes, testified at the council hearing to suggest the creation of a bike lane on Prior Avenue instead of Cleveland.
“We favor bike lanes in this area. We aren’t (against) bike lanes,” Hennes said. “We have a ton of people who ride bikes to and from campus so we are pro bike lanes. We just think Prior would be a better route than Cleveland.”
During his testimony Hennes said the chief concern for the university is the section of the proposed bike lane near the campus on Cleveland Avenue due to the narrow lanes and campus parking.
Prior Avenue, according to Hennes, sees much less car traffic, already has established “shared roads” for bikers and has better lighting. Additionally, Hennes said it is a much wider road that offers more space for the safe travel of both bikers and cars.
“It’d be more efficient and effective than Cleveland,” Hennes said. “From a safety standpoint, Cleveland, it’s narrow in there. With five foot bike lanes the driving lanes would become even narrower. In our view that is simply too tight. It’s going to be a squeeze.”
Diverting the bike lane to Prior would divert bikers from the straight path initially suggested, a sacrifice Hennes believes is worth it. In unison with other residents, Hennes also pointed out the number of businesses, residential and university parking that would be affected.
“Those people rely on parking,” Hennes said. “If you lose parking there that’s going to push more to the side streets, and the businesses might lose business. It could be an inconvenience for residents and permit parking is an issue around St. Thomas.”
If Prior doesn’t work out as an alternative Hennes hopes that Finn Street will be another viable option. Ultimately, Hennes said he is happy with the decision to invest more time and research into this project.
“We think it was a good move on Councilman Tolbert’s part. We think it needs more study. Study of the options,” Hennes said. “We just think Prior would be a better route than Cleveland.”
Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu.